Binary Fission

Binary Fission Definition

Binary fission is the process through which asexual reproduction happens in bacteria. During binary fission, a single organism becomes two independent organisms. Binary fission is also used to describe the duplication of organelles in eukaryotic species and is sometimes used to describe the reproduction of some invertebrates that asexually reproduce through budding. Though their cells undergo mitosis, the process is known as binary fission as it produces two organisms from one. In the similar multiple fission, an organism divides into more than two copies.

Binary Fission Steps

Binary fission steps

Before binary fission of a prokaryote, as seen in step 1 of the above graphic, a prokaryote’s DNA is tightly wound. Sometimes, the prokaryote will carry small plasmids, which are small rings of DNA that carry extra genetic information. During the second step of binary fission, the DNA is unraveled. As it is unraveled, specialized proteins gain access to the DNA, which then work to replicate the ring of DNA. The same proteins work on the plasmids in the cell, duplicating them as well. By step 3, both the DNA and plasmids have been duplicated. The individual copies of DNA attach themselves to different parts of the cell membrane. As the cell elongates in preparation for division, the DNA molecules are pulled to different sides of the cell.

At step 4, a cleavage furrow appears in the cell membrane, as the cell wall and membrane start to pinch off and create two new cells. Finally, as seen in step 5, the cells become completely separated from one another as a new bacterial cell wall forms. The final step includes breaking any additional proteins or other molecules that still connect the two cells. Each cell now has everything it needs to continue the functions of life independently.

Binary Fission Examples

Binary Fission in Bacteria

All of the organisms in the domains Archaea and Bacteria reproduce asexually through binary fission. By far, bacteria account for the most populous organisms on the planet. The process of binary fission is a very stable one, and because bacteria have a very simple genome, there are relatively few mutations in prokaryotes as compared to eukaryotes. Eukaryotes must undergo many cell divisions before gametes can be produced for sexual reproduction, therefore many more mutations can be introduced before offspring are created.

Binary fission in bacteria

Bacteria will go through the steps listed above as they proceed through binary fission. However, there are many variations of this scheme that have evolved in the different lines of bacteria. For instance, the bacteria Bacillus subtilis is a bacteria that exists in the soil and in the gut of some mammals, including humans. This bacteria can divide equally, creating two relatively identical cells, or it can create a much smaller division, which acts as a spore.

This endospore is much more resilient than its larger counterpart and can travel through an animal or the environment to new locations or simply survive until favorable conditions return. Bacteria also exhibit variations in the ways in which they elongate to divide. Some bacteria extend at the far end, while others grow from the middle outward. Even the timing with which the bacteria divide differs and is directed by genetics. Some bacteria can divide in as little as 20 minutes, while others take many hours.

Binary Fission in Organelles

Although the process of mitosis in eukaryotes is similar to binary fission, it is much more complex because eukaryotes have larger genomes and many organelles to duplicate. However, the organelles of eukaryotes replicate using binary fission. Many organelles even harbor their own DNA, which directs their functions and growth. Mitochondria, for example, the energy center of the cell, must make many copies of itself to provide a dividing cell with enough energy. Mitochondrial DNA is replicated, and the organelle divides in the same sequence described above.

Throughout the cell, each organelle must be replicated at least once, if the resulting cells are to have the proper amount of organelles. As the organelles undergo binary fission, they are also moved by the directions of the spindle apparatus and microtubules to opposite ends of the cells. Thus, when the cell divides through cytokinesis after mitosis, each cell is ready to operate independently immediately.

Quiz

1. Certain species of flatworms undergo a process known as fission, in which one worm splits into two. Flatworms are a eukaryotic, multi-cellular species. What type of cell division are the cells undergoing when the worm divides?

A. Meiosis

B. Mitosis

C. Binary Fission

D. None of the above

2. A scientist is testing chemicals on bacteria, to try to figure out what they do. The scientist finds a substance that causes only one of the two daughter cells made during binary fission to be viable. When the scientist stains the cells to look for DNA, he finds no DNA in the dead daughter cell. Which of the following is NOT a possible effect of the unknown substance?

B. The substance destroys DNA, and that is why the second cell is dead.

C. The substance causes microtubules to form incorrectly, keeping both copies of DNA in one cell.

3. A scientist is trying to measure the rate at which certain organisms undergo binary fission. The scientist takes a colony of bacteria from the soil and a colony of bacteria from a pond. He puts both in weak aqueous solutions and measures the rate at which they increase. The bacteria from the pond multiply much faster in the condition, and the scientist declares them the species that undergo binary fission more often. Why is this a bad test of reproductive rate?

A. The soil bacteria are at a disadvantage because they have not evolved for weak aqueous solutions.

B. One colony of bacteria got oxygen, while the other did not.

C. With so many bacteria in a colony, it is impossible to count them.

4. A gardener finds that after soaking a clipping of her favorite plant in some water, it grows new roots and she is able to plant it in her garden. This plant must reproduce by binary fission since it was so easy for her to grow a second plant.

A. True

B. False

5. Select each of the following organisms whose cells reproduce by binary fission.